BranchOfWisdom
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Posts posted by BranchOfWisdom
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I just have a quick question -- unsure where to ask....
Does anyone know how fast MUS usually ships out orders? I've never ordered from them and placed an order today and was trying to get a rough idea.
Update: I already got a shipping notice this morning! -- 1 day after placing order!
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Actually, Writing Strands is the instructional tool that MFW recommends, which is a separate purchase, just as Writing Aids is the instructional tool that TOG recommends, which is also a separate purchase. So it's not quite accurate to say that TOG "includes" literature and writing but MFW doesn't. With both programs, you have to buy the recommended instructional tool.
Additionally, for TOG to actually "include" literature, you'd have to buy the books, but you don't have the books included in the price. So again, it's unfair to say that TOG "includes" literature in your price comparison, but to add it as a separate purchase for MFW. MFW also includes books for literature study... if you're taking the full package price into account, that is.
On re-sale value, there are a LOT of families who don't resell their MFW materials at all. I don't plan to. In fact, there are literally thousands of MFW users that simply don't post on HS message boards. I think that's one reason TOG "seems" to be more popular.... they're "visible" on the internet, but the MFW users aren't.
Honestly, I think the biggest differences between MFW and TOG are that TOG users are primarily looking for a classical education, where MFW users are primarily looking for strong biblical integration and more of a Charlotte Mason flavor.... (and I realize that's a very broad generalization).
I agree. I do NOT plan to resell my materials. I also feel the main emphasis for my decision process was the the Charlotte Mason flavor of the program. I don't think I could put a price tag on the benefit of the well-laid out lesson plans and teacher's notes. I am a planner by nature...LOVE to write out lessons, etc...but with this already done for me, it has allowed me to enjoy learning with my children more, and offered the flexibility for me to go ahead and change or add as I like without a lot of planning on my end.
It's difficult to compare the two without really breaking down the costs of individual books and the packages that offer discounts.
I think it's just a matter of choice. Both curricula have a lot to offer and each family has to decide what is the better fit.
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I'll share a little bit of input from our many years of MFW. We've used Adventures, ECC, CtG and are starting RtR. I do have a daughter in High School and the flexibility of the history cycle has allowed her to join with us in the cycle, by only 'beefing' up the program a bit with additional independent reading. We did NOT buy the High School program, but instead used the lower cycle with just adding in the recommended resources for HS. A much more cost effective alternative for those with larger families.
I love the "open and go" method and now has even been a special learning tool at teaching my daughters a special gift-- learning how to homeschool themselves. It allows me additional quality time to plan for other events like coordinated field trips with the topic of study. I want to pass along encouragement and strength to them to homeschool their own children. They feel very privileged to be teacher for the day and at the same time it gives me the flexibility to juggle other things in a busy family. The retention level when "teaching" siblings seems to be much greater as another added benefit.
Just wanted to share a bit. Great topic and I've really enjoyed reading the input of others on both programs.
MUS Question
in K-8 Curriculum Board
Posted
Thank you :D